Preview and iPhone workflow issues

If you take your photo work seriously then i suggest you try a more robust workflow.

For example i choose to copy the memory card to a folder. Then any shots i think are worth more work i open in gimp or elements and first off save as a uncompressed tiff ( that way each time i save no detail os lost with compression).

When i am happy then i will, export a copy in format suited to its target audience (i.e.. jpg/png for web and tiff for competitions etc).

I have never tried to use iPhoto for more serious work ( don't think i trust a freebee app)

This is just my opinion of course, and what suits me may not suit others - just offering advice

You should never, ever work off an SD card. And you should always keep a full-res original on your hard drive. That's why apps like iPhoto, Aperture and Lightroom exist. You never ever touch the original file and just export files rendered form the full-res original image.

So I suggest you change your workflow and start using one of these apps.

My question to you would be, why are you using Preview for "serious photo work". As Oreo has mentioned, even iPhoto is a much better photo management option, even if you don't like its editing features. I'd highly suggest changing your workflow with a dedicated photo management app like Aperture of Lightroom if you're dealing with a large amount of photos regardless if you're on a Mac or Windows. Using one would reduce the risk of similar issues down the road since they are none destructive.

Try, File->Restore Document... with your original image in Preview.

It will give you a Time-Machine view of your image with all the previous versions in a stack on the right side. Just click back through the stack to get your earliest version and hit Restore.

Should work as long as you open the original (edited) file on the original drive. Don't try Restore with a 'Saved As' version or a version you copied to another drive - it won't work. Open the one you first worked on then try Restore.

But, if you did this on the SD card it probably won't work if it's not a Mac formatted disc.

Generally, it's best to avoid editing files on a camera card - should always copy to the computer first. Also, try Lightroom: $120, or Aperture: $80 - not much for all the tools you get.

Serious photo work.

iPhoto and preview.

These things do not go together.

If possible shoot raw ( lossless 12 or 14 bit) instead or jpeg (loss full 8 bit). Import images into Aperture or Lightroom. Use the program to make non-destructive edits to the original raw or a copy. If you need jpg for web or email export a copy of the edited photo.

If the camera only shoots jpg, edit a copy of the photo in Aperture or Lightroom. Keep an unedited copy.